Introduction

Seven years into the 21st century, 10,000 years after the first signs of advanced civilization, with 100 centuries of art, technology, and spare food under our belt, women are still very close to where they started – in the home. In some countries it is possible to ignore the continued presence of gender bias – its subtle manifestations in glass ceilings, pay inequities, sexual repression, double days and other phenomena are almost invisible. In other countries, gender bias is flaunted, and control, segregation, and dominance are the rule.

But it is not possible to ignore the repercussions of this bias anywhere because empowering women is not just about equality and justice, it is about prosperity, peace and security. The world today is riff with division and animosity, evidenced in acts of terrorism and war, heated debate over immigration and integration, socialism, and religious revival. The advancement of women’s rights is key to boosting economic gains of poor countries, reducing social tensions, bettering health, education, and environmental policy, and slowing population growth. The women’s movement is a global struggle, and a global necessity.

Norms and laws that hinder women’s participation in the market (designated ‘feminine professions,’ rules against driving, property ownership and education, etc) impede economic growth around the world and especially in poor countries. Markets exist so that people can do what they are good at and benefit from the things other people are good at. When part of the population is excluded from full participation in the market it means there are less people doing what they are good at and less benefits to be shared by the society. That makes everyone worse off.

Norms and laws that limit women’s participation in politics increase global insecurity. Democratic politics are like markets - they allow the voices of everyone to be heard in order to arrive at a solution that benefits the most people. When voices are not heard the results don’t fit with the needs of the population and everyone looses. Increasing women’s participation in politics, both at the leadership and citizen level, is proven to in increase political attention and spending on health care, education, and environmental protection and decreased spending on arms.

This is a blog of my experiences with gender discrimination, its affects, its perpetrators, and its opponents around the world. I hope that it will add a little to the global movement for equality, justice, and better lives for all.